Governors State University

Governors State University (GSU) offers various scholarships to help international students pursue their higher education goals in the United States. These scholarships are aimed at recognizing academic excellence, promoting diversity, and providing financial support to qualified international students. 

1. International Merit Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to international students based on their academic performance. Eligibility criteria include a strong academic record and standardized test scores. The scholarship amount may vary and is renewable for multiple years.

2. Cultural Diversity Scholarship: Governors State University values diversity and encourages students from different backgrounds to apply. The Cultural Diversity Scholarship is designed to support underrepresented students. Eligibility criteria may include academic achievements, leadership, and community involvement.

3. Graduate Assistantships: GSU offers graduate assistantships to qualified international students pursuing a master's or doctoral degree. These positions provide a stipend, tuition remission, and valuable professional experience in teaching, research, or administrative roles.

4. International Global Fellowship: The International Global Fellowship is awarded to international graduate students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements and leadership potential. It provides a substantial financial award and opportunities for global engagement.

5. External Scholarships: GSU encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities, such as those offered by governments, foundations, and private organizations. The university's international services office may provide guidance on identifying and applying for these scholarships.

6. Private and Institutional Scholarships: Governors State University may have additional private and institutional scholarships available to international students. These scholarships may be specific to certain academic programs, majors, or fields of study.

7. Continuation Scholarships: GSU may offer continuation scholarships to international students who maintain good academic standing. These scholarships recognize and reward consistent academic performance.

8. Eligibility Criteria: Scholarship eligibility criteria can vary and may include factors such as academic achievement, standardized test scores (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS), leadership qualities, community involvement, and financial need.

9. Application Process: International students are typically automatically considered for some scholarships upon admission to GSU, while others may require a separate scholarship application. It is important to check specific scholarship requirements and deadlines.

10. Renewability: Many GSU scholarships are renewable for multiple years, provided that students meet the renewal criteria and maintain good academic standing.

It is advisable to apply well in advance to maximize scholarship opportunities and financial aid.

Finances

Governors State University (GSU) is committed to providing students with a variety of financial options and resources to make higher education accessible and affordable. 

1. Financial Aid: GSU provides financial aid opportunities to eligible students to help offset the cost of education. This includes federal aid programs, grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities. Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for financial aid.

2. Graduate Assistantships: Graduate students at GSU have the opportunity to apply for graduate assistantships. These positions provide a stipend, tuition remission, and valuable professional experience in teaching, research, or administrative roles.

3. Payment Plans: The university offers payment plans that allow students to pay their tuition and fees in manageable installments, making it easier to budget for their education expenses.

4. Funding for Research: GSU supports research opportunities and may offer funding for student research projects or participation in research activities.

5. External Funding: Students are encouraged to explore external funding opportunities, such as government grants and private scholarships. The GSU financial aid office can provide guidance on identifying and applying for external funding sources.

6. Employment Opportunities: GSU's campus and the surrounding area offer part-time employment opportunities for students, which can help cover living expenses while gaining valuable work experience.

7. International Student Support: The international student office at GSU provides resources and guidance for international students on financial matters, including employment options and financial aid.

8. Financial Literacy: The university offers financial literacy programs and resources to help students make informed financial decisions and manage their finances effectively.

9. Refund Policies: GSU has policies in place for tuition refunds, which students should be familiar with in case they need to make adjustments to their course load.

Cost Of Living

Living costs for international students in the United States can vary depending on the location and individual preferences. 

1. Off-campus Accommodation: The cost of off-campus accommodation, such as renting an apartment or sharing a house, can range from $500 to $1,500 per month, depending on the location, size, and amenities.

2. On-Campus Accommodation: On-campus accommodation options, including dormitories or student housing, typically range from $500 to $1,200 per month, depending on the university and the type of room.

3. Transportation Cost per month: Monthly transportation expenses can vary based on the city and transportation choices. On average, public transportation costs can range from $50 to $100 per month, while owning a car can incur additional costs such as insurance, fuel, and parking.

4. Food Cost per month: The average monthly food expenses for an international student can range from $200 to $500, depending on dining preferences, cooking at home, or eating out. Students can save money by preparing their meals and taking advantage of student meal plans if available.

5. Utility Cost per month: Utilities such as electricity, water, heating, and internet can cost around $100 to $200 per month, depending on the location, season, and usage.

6. Entertainment Cost per month: Entertainment expenses, including social activities, movies, concerts, and other recreational pursuits, can vary based on personal preferences. On average, students can allocate around $100 to $200 per month for entertainment.

7. Groceries Cost per month: The monthly cost for groceries can range from $150 to $300, depending on dietary preferences, cooking habits, and location.

8. Clothes: The cost of clothing can vary based on individual preferences and needs. A rough estimate for clothing expenses can be around $50 to $100 per month.

Total cost per month: Considering the above estimates, the average total monthly living cost for an international student in the United States can range from approximately $1,200 to $2,000.

NOTE : It's important that these figures are approximate and can vary based on individual lifestyle choices, city location, and personal spending habits. It's advisable for students to create a budget based on their specific circumstances to better manage their living expenses while studying in the USA.

Gallery